Iran expanded its maritime prohibitions beyond the Strait of Hormuz on September 9, adding parts of the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea to a declared prohibited zone — a significant geographic escalation beyond the earlier Chabahar-only expansion [2][3]. IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohebi warned vessels entering without coordination would face military action and sanctions [2][3]. The IRGC said it attacked 20 vessels near the strait, including two US vessels, eight oil tankers, and ten non-compliant ships, in retaliation for US destruction of five Iranian tankers on September 8 [2][3]. UKMTO reported multiple vessels in the Gulf and Gulf of Oman came under disabling fire [2][3].

The IAEA Board of Governors voted 23-3 to refer Iran to the UN Security Council over nuclear non-compliance — the first such referral in two decades — with Russia, China, and Niger voting against [3][4]. Trump said the war would end immediately after November midterm elections, though the WSJ reported senior advisers warn it could continue through his term [3][4].

Hormuz transits fell to seven on Wednesday (Sep 9), down from twelve the previous day and below the ten-day average of fourteen; a Finland Prosperity VLCC carrying roughly 2 million barrels of crude was among exits, with no LNG tankers exiting [1]. Brent closed at $101.21, remaining above $100 [2][3].